Final answer:
The features of drug-induced lung disease include decreased lung function, respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath, susceptibility to infections, and possibly premature mortality. Severity can range from increased medication use to hospitalizations and chronic health issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Features of Drug-Induced Lung Disease
Drug-induced lung diseases are conditions that result from the adverse effects of medications on the respiratory system. The features of drug-induced lung disease can be variable, however, they often include decreases in lung function and cause respiratory symptoms, similar to other forms of lung diseases.
Patients may experience a range of symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath, which might lead to an aggravation of existing conditions like asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). This can result in a significant impact on the patient's quality of life, leading to increased medication use, hospital admissions, and visits to the emergency department (ED). In severe cases, it may even result in premature mortality.
Furthermore, drug-induced lung disease may increase an individual's susceptibility to respiratory infections and have long-term consequences such as the development of chronic lung conditions. Proactive measures, including careful monitoring of patients on certain medications, and early intervention can be crucial for preventing or mitigating the effects of drug-induced lung diseases.